Claws and Contrivances

DNF @ 15%/ 5 chapters

Rating this 2.5-3 stars because it isn't bad and perhaps if I was in a different mood I'd like it more, but I'm mostly bored and not connecting with the characters. While I enjoyed the last book, I did end it with less than stellar thoughts, but excited to start this one. Now, my excitement has waned and I mostly remember being frustrated with the characters.
I'm already feeling that frustration here, but mostly because of the historical trappings and the lack of magic.

BUT, these are cozy fantasy books that are really quite lovely. Quirky characters and budding magic from the dragons. Don't let my review be what keeps you from reading this, because I do think it is worth trying if you're looking for slow burn historical romance mixed with cat-sized dragons.

A delightful, cozy, charming, two-evening comedy-of-manners read where we get to see what Mr Aubrey was so desperate to discover when the events of Scales & Sensibility waylaid him. You don't need to read the first book, but I did think thid book more entertaining knowing what Aubrey knew, and Rose didn't know, and waiting to see how it would all come out.

I really enjoyed the dragons in this book, they somehow reminded me of my dearly departed dogs. If this had been a Heyer story, it might have been about illegal dog handling instead of dragons, which really lent credibility to the story. I love this type of low fantasy story, and it's a cute way to jump into fantasy if you're typically a Regency historical fan.